I think a first year male college student actually dematures a bit.
But 5 hours is nothing, there are hotels and motels and rest stops that you guys can meet at that don;t require you both to drive the whole way.
Also its not even a whole year its more like 9 months. Then when you think about it, you will be home for misc days. And thanksgiving, and then winter break, then Spring is the long part.
But as long as her parents are cool with her visiting for the weekend then you should have no problem except for an asshole roommate. Buy him some beer and tell him to find a place to crash
The suck thing is sping break, if your and hers does not line up it turns out to suck for both of you.
But good luck